Get Lost Mountaineering

Ramsden Edges from Ramsden Reservoir

Start/Finish

A small rough gravel car park by the side of Ramsden Reservoir which is reached by a minor road signed from Holmbridge (near the church) on the A6024. Holmbridge is about 2 miles south west of Holmfirth.

Distance/Time

6 km.     About 3 hours.

Peaks

No peaks but the highest point is reached on Ramsden Edge at about 524 m.

OS 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield.     OS Outdoor Leisure 1: Dark Peak

Introduction

Some people say that Ramsden Clough is the finest in the Peak District area and it is hard to disagree with that. In some ways it resembles a rough highland glen. This route goes around the edges on each side of the clough where the going is much easier than in the bottom of the clough. On a clear day, there are good views towards Black Hill and Holmfirth. The track above Riding Wood can be very boggy in places.

Route

(1) Walk up the path/track at the back of the car park and follow it up, going right before a stile. At the next junction, continue above the wood, heading roughly S. A sign saying “Access Point” indicates the way. Follow this track, boggy in places, to reach an old quarry. After this the track becomes a path and continues to where Ramsden Clough goes right. The path then ascends the grassy Ruddle Clough which has some grouse butts at its top. Follow the fence to the right on a distinct path which follows the Sedge of Ramsden Clough. After about 1 km, the path crosses the clough about 100 m before some grouse butts further up.

(2) Follow the path as it goes along Ramsden Edge. When the path seems to leave the edge, don't follow it but continue along the edge on a faint path which is not immediately obvious. This path follows Ramsden Edge and is faint in places before joining a rough track down the north end. This track leads down towards Yateholme Reservoir. Follow the track to the right before Yateholme Reservoir to join the rough lane at a locked gate then follow the lane between Riding Wood Reservoir and Ramsden Reservoir back to the start.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 20^th January, 2017.

(b) There are some other interesting edge walks in this area which are worthy of further exploration.